Met Office kills hopes of an Indian summer in three words

Hopes for an Indian summer have been quashed in three simple words by the Met Office - "wetter than average. Latest predictions for the UK point to a soaking wet few days ahead, with expectations of above-average rainfall persisting into October.

After a brief period of pleasant conditions, the weather took a turn this weekend. The country is now under widespread weather warnings, including an amber alert for heavy rain today and tomorrow.

Brits who were optimistic for a return to September's sunnier days, particularly after some weather warnings were unexpectedly withdrawn last minute, will be disappointed by the damp outlook.

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Typically, late-year spells of warm weather are dubbed an Indian summer, but the Met Office clarifies that this isn't an official meteorological term, reports the Express.

However, according to the Met Office's Meteorological Glossary, an Indian summer is "a warm, calm spell of weather occurring in autumn, especially in October and November".

The term is thought to have originated in the eastern United States, relating to Indigenous Americans rather than the Indian subcontinent.

Regrettably, the UK's upcoming weather seems more reminiscent of an Indian summer monsoon than the balmy conditions experienced on the American plains.

From Thursday, September 26 through to October 6, the Met Office anticipates an unsettled spell with bouts of heavy rain and possibly disruptive winds in some regions. Yet, there's a silver lining as drier conditions may settle in over the weekend.

But don't hang your raincoats up just yet; this brief departure from damp skies is expected to be fleeting. Advancing into the period from October 6 to October 20, the outlook suggests we're in for more precipitation than usual.

According to the Met Office: "Typical autumn weather will probably affect the UK with a mix of weather types through the first half of October. Periods of unsettled conditions, with wind and rain at times, will likely be interspersed with shorter spells of calmer and drier weather."

"Overall, wetter than average conditions are expected during this period, especially in central and southern areas. Temperatures are most likely to be close to or slightly above average overall, although some cooler spells are possible at times."

A Met Office spokesperson explained to the Express that while these extended forecasts provide a broader outlook, indicating general trends across the UK, specifics can be tricky.

The forecasting body examines "global weather drivers to give an indication" of the expected weather narrative - these point towards a soggy month ahead. However, details regarding whether this pertains to the nation in entirety or particular locales remain undetermined.